Why learn about other faiths?

[Dawnofhope]

Isn't everyone's faith the one true faith?

Of course. Should that stop us learning about the faith of others?

 

[Audie]

It sounds like hell on earth when you put it that way. I'd be inclined to start popping valium if I took that approach!

Why is that? Freedom from religion is so bad?

I did not get infected in the first place, so I did not
need the cure. it might work for others, I dunno.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Why is that? Freedom from religion is so bad?

I did not get infected in the first place, so I did not
need the cure. it might work for others, I dunno.

So you are not an alcoholic in recovery attending AA meetings and looking to Jesus for sobriety?

 

[iam1me]

Adam Smith though an eloquent critique of capitalism is just another man with a perception of how the world works and an axe to grind. His words would be of no practical use for those who live in the world of business and commerce.

Adam Smith was not a critic of capitalism - he was a major economic philosopher and proponent of capitalism. Again, you clearly haven't studied the philosophy of Capitalism.

Adam Smith - Wikipedia

 

[Dawnofhope]

Adam Smith was not a critic of capitalism - he was a major economic philosopher and proponent of capitalism. Again, you clearly haven't studied the philosophy of Capitalism.

OK, but he had a dim view of the people within it if this gem is anything to go by, wouldn't you say?

“Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to society... He intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was not part of his intention”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature & Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Vol 1

 

[iam1me]

OK, but he had a dim view of the people within it if this gem is anything to go by, wouldn't you say?

“Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to society... He intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was not part of his intention”
― Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature & Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Vol 1

I fundamentally disagree with Adam Smith on a number of issues - that does not change the fact that he and others like him are the masterminds behind Capitalism. If you find his ideas flawed and greedy, then you should be able to appreciate the fact that the Capitalism is flawed and greedy.

 

[Audie]

Of course. Should that stop us learning about the faith of others?

I think people's religions are interesting. I should
have taken a comparative religions class.

 

[Audie]

I fundamentally disagree with Adam Smith on a number of issues - that does not change the fact that he and others like him are the masterminds behind Capitalism. If you find his ideas flawed and greedy, then you should be able to appreciate the fact that the Capitalism is flawed and greedy.

You could say "greedy" about pretty much
everything people are involved in.

You can say the finest Maserati or diamond is flawed,
because, they are.

But what of importance is in the statement?

 

[Audie]

So you are not an alcoholic in recovery attending AA meetings and looking to Jesus for sobriety?

Uhhhhh. No. I never have, never will drink.
How is that silly q supposed to address what I said?

 

[Dawnofhope]

I think people's religions are interesting. I should
have taken a comparative religions class.

Your are on religious forum. Does that not stimulate your interest in religion?

 

[Dawnofhope]

I fundamentally disagree with Adam Smith on a number of issues - that does not change the fact that he and others like him are the masterminds behind Capitalism. If you find his ideas flawed and greedy, then you should be able to appreciate the fact that the Capitalism is flawed and greedy.

People are flawed and greedy are they not? Capitalism in part provides a framework for which to organise human activity. It may be flawed but how can it be greedy? What’s a better approach?

 

[Dawnofhope]

Uhhhhh. No. I never have, never will drink.
How is that silly q supposed to address what I said?

Id think that learning about, say, 12 other religions would be
part of the 12 step recovery process.

Why is that? Freedom from religion is so bad?

I did not get infected in the first place, so I did not
need the cure. it might work for others, I dunno.

I was a little unclear what your point was. If you clarify I’ll be less silly.

 

[Katzpur]

If believing the unbelievable is a required part of
what makes you a better person, go for it.

For me, to believe the unbelievable would be to believe there is no God. But I think we're all kind of wired differently. It would also be hard for me to be what I would call a "typical, average Mormon," which probably explains why I'm not.

IF I had to chose one religion for America, I would
probably choose LDS, so dont take that wrong.

That's very nice of you to say, Audie!

 

[Audie]

I was a little unclear what your point was. If you clarify I’ll be less silly.

Once a person has seen that there are so many
inmcompatible exclusive "truths" out there, with
infinite sub variations, they might begin to wodner
how it is t hey got so lucky as to be in the right one, and
if they think a little longer, begin to realize the
whole religious /supernatural thing is just make believe.

 

[Marcion]

That's true. Problem is it can be misguided. Sometimes what you believe is helpful simply isn't. It's just your personal belief that it is.

Doesn't it also depend on how openminded or curious the other person is? Especially on the internet it is not always easy to see that clearly enough in the beginning.
When the person is an evangelical type of christian or an orthodox muslim I won't bother but in other cases I always hope they are as interested in spiritual philosophy and dialogue as I am.
Sharing information or ideas need not be meant to be 'pushy'.

 

[CG Didymus]

People are flawed and greedy are they not? Capitalism in part provides a framework for which to organise human activity. It may be flawed but how can it be greedy? What’s a better approach?

How does the Baha'i Faith expect to prevent greed? And doesn't the Baha'i Faith support the abolishing of the extremes of wealth and poverty? And how do they feel about socialized medicine?

 

[iam1me]

You could say "greedy" about pretty much
everything people are involved in.

You can say the finest Maserati or diamond is flawed,
because, they are.

But what of importance is in the statement?

It is important to recognize the flaws in our philosophies and government so that we can address them - rather than blindly double down on our mistakes.

 

[iam1me]

People are flawed and greedy are they not? Capitalism in part provides a framework for which to organise human activity. It may be flawed but how can it be greedy? What’s a better approach?

Not all people are greedy - that is a choice. Capitalism is only one of many possible economic systems - one that focuses upon personal gain without consideration for others, which is what makes it greedy. A better approach is socialism.

 

[Audie]

It is important to recognize the flaws in our philosophies and government so that we can address them - rather than blindly double down on our mistakes.

Sure. Does saying that "capitalism is greedy and flawed"
help in this process some way?

 

[Vinayaka]

Doesn't it also depend on how openminded or curious the other person is? Especially on the internet it is not always easy to see that clearly enough in the beginning.

Yes of course. When I speak with world religion classes or groups, I let them know they can contact me if they want to go further. Often it's one or 2 more curious folks who dominate the question session. We had one Mormon missionary neighbour who asked a ton of questions. Same guy who admitted to me he hated the proselytizing aspect, and would rather just do the youtt classes or whatever within his own church.